The Best Coffee Shops in Alexandria

No, we aren’t Compass Coffee, but we still love coffee as much as you do! We’re always on the hunt for the best coffee shops in Alexandria. Whether you’re meeting a friend, looking for a quiet place to work, or just wanting the best java around, there is a spot for you.

In Old Town

Misha’s Coffeehouse & Roaster

917 King Street

When you think of a “neighborhood coffee shop,” Misha’s is what comes to mind. Its fabulous location in the heart of Old Town, free Wifi, and fantastic java make Misha’s a must for anyone looking for coffee shops in Alexandria Old Town. Misha’s sells its four kinds of coffees (Signature Blends, American, African, and Indonesian varietals) either whole or ground by weight. For tea drinkers – they have lots of different options including caffeine-free versions of many yummy black teas as well.  You can also get your sugar fix at Misha’s with a cupcake from Buzz Bakeshop. Misha’s recently moved to a new location right on King Street, but if you’re in a hurry, be sure to get there early since the line often goes to the door! 

Killer ESP

1012 King Street

If you’re a fan of fair trade Stumptown Coffee, head to Killer ESP. Curious about the ESP part? It stands for espresso, sorbet, and pie – “all the flavors of Old Town Alexandria in a cup, cone, or crust.” People flock to Killer ESP for Dangerously Delicious’ line of sweet and savory pies and quiches. Evening coffee drinkers will appreciate Killer ESP’s late hours: open until 9:30pm Sunday through Thursday and until 11:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Firehook Bakery

430 S. Washington Street

This cozy bakery and coffee shop is located in the Southeast quadrant. While better known for its incredibly fresh and flavorful breads and baked goods, Firehook’s coffee is excellent as well. Seating is plentiful so it’s the perfect place to meet a friend for coffee. Sandwiches are also available so it’s a great option for a quick lunch.

Extra Perks Coffee Shop & Cafe

822 N. Fairfax Street

In the north end of Old Town, Extra Perks brews Maryland-based Chesapeake Bay Coffee. Try one of its sinful specialty coffee drinks such as the 
Café Mocha Framboise or Cafe Snickers. Extra Perks offers traditional English breakfasts, such as its Full British Breakfast of two eggs, a banger (English sausage), applewood bacon,
 sautéed mushrooms, grilled tomatoes, and toast. Or try the Weetabix & Warm Milk option. This shop also sells traditional English foods, candies, biscuits, and other British treats.

Italian Place

621 Wythe Street

If you love Italian style coffees and flavors, the Italian Place is definitely a spot you should check out. Patrons love the Lavazza coffee straight from Italy which is quickly gaining popularity here in the states, especially if you get it iced on a hot summer day! Often overlooked, the Italian Place also has great breakfast options ranging from bagels to croissant breakfast sandwiches sure to satisfy any appetite.

Buzz Bakeshop

901 Slaters Lane

You can read all about our team member’s visit to Buzz here.

Sugar Shack

804 N. Henry Street

While more known for its amazing and sinful donuts, Sugar Shack is holding its own on the coffee front. It now roasts its own line of coffee in Richmond, VA. This Northwest quadrant shop offers coffee, espresso, and specialty drinks. Be sure to try the Honey Lavender Latte or the Cortadito, a Cuban style latte with evaporated milk and cinnamon. Of course, you’ll need to order one of Sugar Shack’s super inventive donuts as well like the peach ginger or bacon maple donut = YUM!

Elsewhere in Alexandria City

Swing’s Coffee

501 E. Monroe Avenue

Swing’s Coffee Roasters has been part of the Washington, DC coffee scene for over 100 years. The coffee doesn’t get any fresher than at Swings Del Ray storefront. Located within Swing’s roasting facility, this shop features “pour over” coffee and espresso and cold-brewed iced coffee on tap. This open and industrial space has been outfitted reclaimed furniture. Best of all? You can listen to your favorite record on the old-school turntable at Swing’s.

Bon Vivant Cafe + Farm Market

2016 Mount Vernon Avenue

Followers of the keto diet will be familiar with bulletproof coffee, an unlikely combination of coffee, butter, and coconut oil. Del Ray’s Bon Vivant is known for its version of bulletproof coffee, made with local coffee from nearby Swing’s, ground cinnamon, unsalted, grass-fed butter and raw organic coconut oil (the prevailing theory is that if you start your day with this fatty concoction, you won’t crave fat throughout the day). People with food allergies or dietary restrictions will appreciate Bon Vivant’s many “clean eating” options: 100% grass-fed meat (free of antibiotics and hormones too), dairy, soy, and gluten-free options, plus paleo, vegetarian and vegan offerings. Bon Vivant is open 8am – 9pm seven days a week.

St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub

2300 Mount Vernon Avenue

St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub prides itself on being “Del Ray’s living room” and it certainly offers that vibe with its comfy couches, chairs, and kids corner. Meet a friend for Stumptown coffee and one their tasty muffins or quiches. St. Elmo’s nitro cold brew receives rave reviews. Open seven days a week (starting at 6am weekdays and 7am on weekends), St. Elmo’s serves up more than just coffee – you can see weekly jazz performances and children’s shows here too.

Nectar Del Ray Coffee & Wine Bistro

106 Hume Avenue

Two sisters from Ireland have opened this shop to bring the “Irish hamlet coffee and bistro concept” to Alexandria. Its coffee menu includes all of the standard offerings, plus some unique items like a Frozen Chai Latte, pomegranate lemonade, and blackberry iced tea. This cozy shop is best known for its inventive waffles like the Waffle Benedict (with Canadian bacon or sausage, egg, and hollandaise) and the Banoffi with bananas, toffee sauce, and fresh cream. Nectar also offers full lunch and dinner menus, along with craft beers and wine. Nectar Del Ray is open seven days a week and until 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Bagel Uprising

2307A Mt. Vernon Avenue

If you love a bagel with your coffee, this new popular bagel spot in Del Ray is one you should check out. Bagel Uprising recently opened its first brick and mortar location right in the heart of Del Ray in September of 2019, though its following began when it was at the Four Mile Run Farmers and Artisans Market. They don’t have a huge coffee selection, but if you aren’t too picky, this is the spot to check out if you want a good breakfast to go along with it!

Stomping Ground

2309 Mount Vernon Avenue

While best known for its giant, delectable Southern-style buttermilk biscuits, Stomping Ground also offers drip coffee, macchiatos, espresso, cappuccino, lattes and a selection of hot teas. This cozy neighborhood shop is open 7am – 3pm Tuesday through Saturday and from 9am – 3pm on Sundays (closed on Mondays). Beer and wine are also available!

Junction Bakery & Bistro

1508 Mount Vernon Boulevard

 Craving a Nitro Cold Brew? Visit this newer Del Ray hot spot for your java fix. Junction offers a coffeehouse vibe with excellent breakfast and lunch options like egg sandwiches, baked goods, trendy “toasts” and more. Junction is open Monday – Saturday from 7am-5pm and Sundays from 7am-2pm.

Java Loco

289 S. Van Dorn Street

Located on in the West End, Java Loco is a cozy shop perfect for meeting friends or doing some work using the free Wifi. Java Loco offers some unique coffee options such as the Dulce De Leche Latte, Iced Cuban Coffee, and even a Lavender Latte! Java Loco also serves Bubble Tea and excellent gelato. Baked goods, breakfast, and lunch items are also available.

Cameron Cafe

4911 Brenman Park Drive

Located within the Cameron Station community on the West End, this coffee shop in Alexandria is one of the most kid-friendly ones (complete with a play area!) offers great meeting spot. Its baked goods and vanilla and peppermint chai teas get rave reviews! Open seven days a week, from 6am – 5pm, you can also catch live entertainment here at Cameron Cafe.

Alexandria – Fairfax County

Look for the best coffee shops in Alexandria – Fairfax County? Read on!

The Bread and Water Co.

1512 Belle View Boulevard

Bread and Water, located in the Belle Haven area, serves up far more than the name implies. This newer coffee shop offers coffee, espresso drinks and much more. Enjoy their fabulous European-style fresh breads (baked and sliced onsite) and tantalizing baked goods like the chocolate cream cheese muffin. Bread and Water serves excellent soups and sandwiches, made with local and seasonal ingredients. Catering is also available.

Hollin Hall Pastry Shop

7920 Fort Hunt Road

Perhaps best known for its wedding cakes, this cozy shop is one of the few places in the Fort Hunt corridor to meet a friend for coffee. Open for 17 plus years, the Hollin Hall Pastry Shop is a neighborhood institution! It serves both drip coffees and espresso drinks and amazing baked goods like sweet and savory croissants, muffins, sticky buns, and scones. The baked goods and cookies are works of art!

Grounded Coffee Shop

6919 Telegraph Road

Located in the Shops At Telegraph Village, this homey shop offers far more than just java. Weekly live music, a library and board games, train table for the kids, plentiful comfy seating are just a few of the reasons you’ll love Grounded. This French country-inspired cafe serves fair trade organic coffees and teas, fruit smoothies, French and American pastries (check out the amazing carrot bread) as well as a limited lunch menu. Grounded is open Tuesday-Friday from 6am-5pm, Saturdays from 7am-5pm and Sundays 7am-3pm (closed on Mondays).

The Bottom Line

There is truly a spot for every coffee lover in Alexandria. Did we miss any of the other best coffee shops in Alexandria? Please let us know so we can check it out!

Interested in learning more about living in Alexandria? Reach out today for one of our customized neighborhood tours.